How to tackle Template Routing - the basics

[@geoffprotheroe1201]

Recently I have retired and have been creating my own wood working bench. Its portable and I wanted a completely flat surface with inserts for screws etc. So I used my router to create the holes necessary for plastic bins to fit in. It did not go well.!! Thank you for your expertise as my first bin was not a disaster but not pleasant to see. After your video I am extremely pleased with the new flush bins. Keep up the good work.

[@Darrell_Coquillette]

Now this is a subject that is not explained enough. Great job Peter, and thank you for this series! Skill learning is always a great subject.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Darrell, Thank you very much. Cheers. Peter

[@rickchilds3733]

Thank so much for these! I learned many of these point back in the 70s from my Dad, but as a hobby woodworker I don't use these often enough to be fore in my memory. Your style is very effective thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Rick, Many thanks and I am very keen to help people like you as best as I can. Cheers. Peter

[@darvaish4552]

i was ever so stuck with the offset calculation and understanding it. You explained it all and holding nothing back. A very big thanks. I do give importance to your word. my option is self teaching for hobby wood work and your videos are making my journey worry free so i can enjoy my work more. God bless your heart Peter.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mian, You are so very kind and your words have made my day. Cheers. Peter

[@darvaish4552]

@@NewBritWorkshop Many Thanks

[@michalpatryk7037]

Thank you for the lesson. I’m new to template work and your instruction has been extremely helpful. Regarding metric I believe it is in fact the easiest way to work. Metric is not popular here in the USA but I’ve used metric only in my woodworking for years.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@robertcaird6524]

You sir have an excellent concise teaching style. Thank you for your efforts.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks!

[@bigmonkey999888]

Hi Peter, the tempo was spot on! Another brilliant demo Steve

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Many thanks!

[@shoyeb727]

Hi Peter. Thank you for the very informative video as usual. We are fortunate for having people like you who share their knowledge and experience. I have learnt a lot. Thanks once again.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

You are very welcome. Cheers. Peter

[@Shagratt71]

Subscribed!. You're the double of my old woodwork teacher back in the 80s. Great work Peter, I'm looking forward to sitting down and watching more video's by you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

You are very kind - one does tend to remember the old woodworking teacher - in my case he used to hit me over the head with chair legs ! Cheers. Peter

[@clumbo1567]

Fantastic video Peter , great explanation, looking forward to the next one.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it - cheers. Peter

[@huskyneusify]

Great video. Even for a metric foreigner like me a truly educational story. Thank you very much !

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jason-hh6lu]

Nice video Peter. This are the skills best tried and tested on scraps first.👍🏻😊

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Jason, You are absolutely right - I even use scraps when I test designs on my CNC. Cheers. Peter

[@johncooper8686]

Peter Thanks so much for your very clear explanation of template routing - best I’ve seen since the late (and much missed) Ron Fox

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bambam-cm8we]

"But Sir, if I put my phone away it will mean I can't watch the lesson and I'm forced to not pay attention." "I'm confused now and I'm on my last warning for detention, and with football practice today I need to be there if I have any chance of playing and not sat on the sub bench" Great video, thanks for sharing your knowledge with us 👍

[@cdavisjr1214]

Great video Peter, looking forward to the follow ups. Thanks

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bryandavies6074]

Maybe you should have been wearing Mr Spock ears for this Peter? It was all very logical. Very logical and exceptionally well explained, illustrated and demonstrated. Thank you. I look forward to part II.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Bryan, Many thanks - Live long and prosper. Cheers. Peter

[@MrPatdeeee]

VERY good video on a most important piece of woodworking. I imagine that many have difficulty determining the "offset" when using "templates". Can't wait to see the other episodes. And I ask you; who could want a better instructor than "our" Peter Parfitt. Huh? Thank you Peter.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Pat, Many thanks and stay safe. Peter

[@stvcolwill]

outstanding and very useful video!!! thanks so much!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thank you so much. Peter

[@antonoat]

This is going to be invaluable, thanks a bunch Peter. Vital one doesn't confuse their holes and plugs! lol.

[@hughtattersall7583]

Surely it's a 13amp plug.

[@MrPete1x]

Well explained and shown, thank you

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Peter, Many thanks for this. Peter

[@murphyrp01]

Another excellent video. Well thought out and delivered content

[@StrawbyteWorkshop]

Thank-you Peter. A really well delivered explanation which I know is going to reduce the amount of head-scratching next time I'm working with my templates.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Excellent!

[@shamong9]

Thank you, for the explanation.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@duncanhurst2888]

Once again great stuff Peter. Thank you. I was struggling with this but hopefully all is now clear.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Duncan, It is not easy doing template routing from scratch but I hope that I may have given you a head start. Good luck. Peter

[@royharkins7066]

Absolutely brilliant learnt lots thank you very much, I’m here to understand how to make a fairly simple oblong template, I’ve got all the gear and no idea , thanks again , Roy

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Roy, Many thanks and good luck. Peter

[@brandibadger3036]

Thank you for taking the time to make these template videos! Great job!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you like them!

[@alaricomanju7280]

Very helpful video Sir. Much appreciated.

[@JesseAcosta]

Thank you, may you be rewarded for helping me.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Jesse, Your message is reward enough. Cheers. Peter

[@dk31rc]

Excellent video. Very well explained - thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@leeedwards3783]

Hi Peter. Great video. I have always wanted to go on a router course which has jig making involved so excited to see the next 2 chapters. This one was great. I really want to be able to use my router for it's full potential. Although mine is 1/2 inch collet so probably need a smaller one. Oh and sorry. Not got around to purchasing your book yet but will as soon as I have a bit of down time on a holiday. Thanks again

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Lee, Yes, the number of people who actually end up buying the book may make me rethink giving away free plans. I have had several offers from companies who will sell the plans for me. Peter

[@MINGLE2008]

A very good video. Your explanation is exceptional. Thanks for sharing.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@derekgibbs8966]

Peter wonderful presentation

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Derek, Cheers. Peter

[@london_roubenl]

Great video, very clear and well explained.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shanehertzog5812]

Hi Peter Thankyou for your information. I mite have that adapter it could be in my shed.hey Peter have you watch Ron Paulk what a smart woodworker he is.he shows woodworkers how get most out of guidebushes. If I makeing a cutout on side of paulk plywood workbenches I would eyeball cutout with no maths. I agree with you it’s not that hard to do maths on guidebushes.I will admit iam not done this before with guidebushes maths. That smaller festool router is very nice.I do not own one, I have the Dewalt router trimmer top range.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Shane, Yes, Ron Paulk is a busy guy. He done some great work with the Parf Guide System. Cheers. Peter

[@keanMechanic]

I that xl table is a great idea.

[@likeakite]

Thanks for sharing this series !

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@craigrobertson734]

Nicely done sir, thank you

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you liked it!

[@mauserkk98]

Looking forward to the CNC part .

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cheers. Peter

[@simonablett8613]

Excellent tutorial

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mauriceryton]

Great video, very informative.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@artfu1d0dger]

Super video Peter. I may need to buy a small CNC machine to make templates in the future

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Go for it!

[@PaulA-UK]

Perfect, thank you.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Paul, You're welcome! Cheers. Peter

[@idlersdream826]

Being fairly new to routers, this is just what I needed Peter. Will probably need to watch a few times for it to sink in 😂. Looking forward to the next one, thanks.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad to help

[@peterfitzpatrick7032]

I've found the best way to "absorb" this kind of skillset is to actually do some practice-cuts ... 😎👍☘🍺

[@idlersdream826]

@@peterfitzpatrick7032 👍 yes, that as well!

[@danthechippie4439]

Excellent as always Peter. I have the festool 1400 and the centring cone bit you used in the video as well as the same guide Bush set. I noticed the smaller router you used has set screws to perfectly centre the cone on the guide Bush, but my router doesn't have that so I'm unsure how I could micro adjust mine if it slightly out.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Dan, I understand that it is possible but cannot get at mine as it live in the router table. I am sure that it is possible and so try searching on the FOG. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

@@NewBritWorkshop thank you Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I am sorry not to be more helpful. Peter

[@danthechippie4439]

@@NewBritWorkshop you were, you are, you always are

[@barryirby8609]

Amazing timing, I just worked how to do this in Imperial units in the last few days. This would have been helpful. Let me throw out a mistake I made so everyone else can avoid it. I tried using a fairly long 1/4" spiral bit. Not good. there was enough "whip" that I came up with about a half mm gap. Looked terrible. Use sturdy short bits. Another tip would be to raise the template above the work a few mm to give the chips a chance to escape. Still must be perfectly secure. Smaller bits produce fewer chips if you can avoid the whip problem. I was doing Bowties or Butterflies to repair crack in slabs of wood. Bigger bits do a better job of excavating the cavity but smaller ones make it easier to cut the plugs. I did knot cut all the way through for the plug and freed it with a knife so I did not need the double stick tape.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Barry, Great contribution - many thanks. Peter

[@agn855]

Very nice. Thx for sharing this! An extra bonus would have been getting the (Excel) tables for download ie. from a shared Google Drive. Maybe next time… :o)

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I can send you the tables if you let me have your email address or you can download them from the Axminster web site as I said the the video description. Peter

[@carlosimolina]

Amazing video with very clear and precise explanations! I'll try to make a similar table, where can I find those images explaining the offset logic? Thank you so much for covering, not only the holes, but the plugs also (I'll need them for the router table inserts I'm building). Cheers!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Carlos, I can send the tables to you. In order to get plans or to contact me via email I need your email address. KZbin no longer has a private messaging service and so in order to get in touch you need to place a comment on this or any other video with your email address. The KZbin software should identify and send it to the spam folder for The New Brit Workshop. Nobody will be able to see your email address except you and me. I will then delete your comment so that it does not end up in the public domain and I will then send the plans. Were we to do this the other way around then my comment, with my email address, would appear for all the world to see. Peter

[@shanetungate5901]

Hi great tutorial, I also would appreciate the xl chart if possible. Would it be ok to email you?

[@shanetungate5901]

@@NewBritWorkshop Hi great tutorial, I also would appreciate the xl chart if possible. Would it be ok to email you?

[@hgohlke]

Thank you Sir, thats how I like your chanel

[@NewBritWorkshop]

I appreciate that

[@hgohlke]

@@NewBritWorkshop You are a very good woodworking teacher. I used an older template video of yours to make some butterfly inlays. Always when I buy a new tool I check out your chanel first for some advice. Thank you and stay save

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Henning, Many thanks. Peter

[@darrenbethell3171]

Always a pleasure to watch. Where can I get the spread sheets for the offsets please Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Darren, In order to get plans or to contact me via email I need your email address. KZbin no longer has a private messaging service and so in order to get in touch you need to place a comment on this or any other video with your email address. The KZbin software should identify and send it to the spam folder for The New Brit Workshop. Nobody will be able to see your email address except you and me. I will then delete your comment so that it does not end up in the public domain and I will then send the plans. Were we to do this the other way around then my comment, with my email address, would appear for all the world to see. Peter

[@darrenbethell3171]

Where can I find you email address Peter or do I have to publish it on here can you advise please

[@ricgoodman66]

Very clear and helpful, thanks. Any thoughts on how to create a template to replicate a part, using the surround of the original part as the starting point? An example is to create a zero clearance insert for a mitre or table saw, using the standard insert as as starting point. Also, any advice on how to create accurate templates for both plugs and holes from a drawn layout? Any design will have be amplified with a suitable offset around it.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Ric, For replicating a large piece you could use a bearing guided flush cutter. The bearing would follow your original and the cutting of the material will be the same shape and size. Or, use the object as a template to create a hole template. Then use that template with the same cutter and guide to produce the copy. If you use Vectric's software you can import drawings directly. Peter

[@williamsmith9026]

This has been a topic none of the 30 or so woodworking channels I subscribe to have touched. Nobody at my local wood/festool store had any clue either. Couple of comments and questions going to be coming from me now that I have time to catch up to videos. I dove into template routing with zero router knowledge when I built my Paulk total (well mine is 2/3rds) station. I could not make a router fence that was 90° to save my life so no routing on it for me. To all of you beginners. Use the turret and make several passes on your thicker cuts. I ruined a 110.00 upspiral bit and a guide bushing by pushing too hard and pressured my bit into the bushing itself. Needless to say seeing 2 different colored metal shavings in my piece was infuriating.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi William, Many thanks for this - I will always do my best to help anyone and everyone. Cheers. Peter

[@tonyneate6021]

Anoter great video Peter. I have been looking for a set of cutter bits for a while now, could you give us a link to the Trend Professionl series of cutter router bits you are using please Peter?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Tony, They are very good and am using them a lot today working on the next video. www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/productlist/4/29/Straight_Two_Flute.html Peter

[@i679n5]

From Peter's second video in this series ¼” Shaft 3/01X1/4TC (4 mm) 3/1X1/4TC (5 mm) 3/2X1/4TC (6 mm) 3/3X1/4TC (7 mm) 3/4X1/4TC (8 mm) 3/61X1/4TC (10 mm) 3/8X1/4TC (12 mm) From my search: 11-25 mm cut depth. You can find them here www.trenddirectuk.com/

[@shanehertzog5812]

Hi Peter my uk guidebushes arrived to my house today .Very well made.Axminster gee they are good didn’t take long arrived to my house.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Shane, Excellent.. Cheers. Peter

[@MauriceKindermann]

Oh - WOW! Excellent information. Do you think this method can work in reverse? I have a very large irregular canvity in a guitar (40mm deep) that I need to create a perfect plug for. I tried by hand and the results were not accurate enough. In theory - I should be able to hollow out some MDF, clamp it to the top, and then pattern it so that it's a perfect female template, right? Once I have that, then I should be able to use bushings to create a male plug, which then I should be able to also use to create the final correct size male plug. I think that all makes sense, I need to do some maths and study this video. Thankyou for the time and effort you put into it!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Maurice, It will not be quite that easy as you will need to use great care at each stage. It sounds as though you have more than one hole - hence being able to use a clamp? Making a perfect template will require the existing hole to be copied perfectly. If the radius of any part of the hole that needs to be filled is less than the diameter of the guide bushing available then you will not get a perfect match. Peter

[@thanassistoufekoulas4022]

Great video. Thank you very much ! I learned many things from your videos and i fill very lucky that i dropped on your site. It was this series of video when i first time found your "woodworking home" as i was looking for information about how making templates. Peter could you make me a favor? I am interested in all the tables you made with the compinations of cutters and guide bushes for the different offsets. If you don't mind can you send them to me? I am also interested in your plans of your pedestal desk (which i like it very much, you did a great gob). Can you send them too? Thanks in advance and keep inspire us!

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Thanassis, I am happy to help - In order to get plans or to contact me via email I need your email address. KZbin no longer has a private messaging service and so in order to get in touch you need to place a comment on this or any other video with your email address. The KZbin software should identify and send it to the spam folder for The New Brit Workshop. Nobody will be able to see your email address except you and me. I will then delete your comment so that it does not end up in the public domain and I will then send the plans. Were we to do this the other way around then my comment, with my email address, would appear for all the world to see. Peter

[@thanassistoufekoulas4022]

@@NewBritWorkshop Dear Peter hi, did you receive my reply with my email address?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Thanassis, Not received here. You can get the template sheets from the Axminster web site: cdn.axminstertools.com/media/downloads/502571_TechnicalDataSheet_1.pdf?_ga=2.259417614.520884277.1633867721-927838810.1610087457 Peter

[@thanassistoufekoulas4022]

Thanks a lot Peter. and about the pedestal desk's plan?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

You need to get your email address to me. Peter

[@markjervis8558]

Smashing Peter...

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Cheers

[@sierkdejongh8984]

Peter, I have not seen this video earlier, but I see a problem. I also have an OF1010. The mandrel is conical, so it centers the bush. But, the screws and the holes in the Leigh adapter are also conical, so on tightening this works against the mandrel. It looks like Festool has not thought about this very well. The whole setup is geometrically overdefined (yes, I am a mechanical engineer). How does this work in practice? If Festool did their wor well, the mandrel should not be necessary. Any ideas? Sierk de Jongh

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Sierk, The screw holes are slightly over sized and so adjustment and tightening in place work as they should but care is needed of course. Peter

[@williamsmith9026]

Jenkins here. I dont wanna do the work.😂 Is there a package available of bush guides and bits that come with the table of measurements? I would love imperial as well as metric for the few metric needs I have. If a package is not available I would actually pay to download a pdf that lists your set up and links to buy and the measurements table.. Onto the next video.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi William I am talking to several companies about providing that sort of package. Cheers. Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi William, The tables are available st the moment but only metric. In order to get plans or to contact me via email I need your email address. KZbin no longer has a private messaging service and so in order to get in touch you need to place a comment on this or any other video with your email address. The KZbin software should identify and send it to the spam folder for The New Brit Workshop. Nobody will be able to see your email address except you and me. I will then delete your comment so that it does not end up in the public domain and I will then send the plans. Were we to do this the other way around then my comment, with my email address, would appear for all the world to see. Peter

[@ccccen]

Those brass bushing come loose SO, I bought a ''Trend'' brand universal base in which the bushing screws on to the base, no chance of ruining my bit, it won't come off as those loosen up and ruin the bit. My dilemma is that the bushings are in metric, I was wondering what size in mm should I use for my American 1/2 inch bits?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Carl, In order to change inches to mm just multiply by 25.4 and for mm to inches divide by 25.4 but you have to work out the fractional representation (5/8" or 17/64") yourself. Peter

[@hgohlke]

Got the kit from Axminster now I need to buy the OF1010

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Henning, Well done. Peter

[@shanehertzog5812]

Hi peter your uk guidebushes you use with the smaller festool router .will the festool 1400 router work with the uk guidebushes.? Peter i have just brought the metric uk guidebushes from uk.Peter i do not own the smaller festool router.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Shane, Yes, those bushed will be perfect with the OF1400 but you need the Leigh guide bush adapter. On the Axminster site it is product number 493566. You may be able to get one from a local supplier. The Leigh web page for adapters is: www.leightools.com/guide-bushings-adaptors/ Peter

[@AndrewHelgeCox]

Metric bits seem almost impossible to source at hobby DIY level. Can anyone recommend a metric starter set that would work with the Makita DRT50 I have on order?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Andrew, Go to the Axminster or Trend web sites. Peter

[@dougwardle2175]

Hi Peter, are you able to provide the data sheet for bits v guide bush sizing? It would be something I would be keen to have. Manynthanks

[@NewBritWorkshop]

To get plans I need your email address. For my email address go to my channel home page, click on "About" and you will find the email address (this is best done from a PC for some reason). Let me know what plans you need and I will email them to you. Peter

[@markkoons7488]

Do you think the Festool router guide bushing insert for the M-1010 base plate is sized for use with the so-called standard US guide bushings? I have at least two sets of those and believe they're referred to as "Porter-Cable" guide bushings here in the states.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mark, I am afraid that I cannot help as I have never seen any Porter-Cable kit. Peter

[@markrichardson9591]

Hi this is a very helpful, but I’m having trouble finding the excel sheet you used online, would it be possible to point me in the right direction to download a copy please. Once again very interesting thanks.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Mark, It is on the Axminster web site: cdn.axminstertools.com/media/downloads/502571_TechnicalDataSheet_1.pdf Peter

[@markrichardson9591]

@@NewBritWorkshop many thanks I’ll take a look, thanks and happy new year to you.

[@G_Threepwood]

Greatt video, thanks Peter

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Jhursh]

Any idea where I can get a metric circle template, seems Axminster does not have them any more…

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Jim, I do not know. I have been looking for ages. Peter

[@Pete.Ty1]

😊👍.

[@vegardjakobsen5243]

if i want to cut all around outside of a male template using a 16 mm guide bush and 6 mm cutter. Should you only make the template 5mm wider and longer? or should you add 5 mm on both sides? its a Square template with rounded ends.

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Yes, from the edge of the bush to the centre is 8 mm and then take away half of the cutter diameter = 5 mm. Peter

[@vegardjakobsen5243]

@@NewBritWorkshop thank you! So for a workpiece that needs to be 100 mm x 50 mm. The template should be 95mm x 45mm?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Not if you are using all 4 sides as the offset works on opposing sides so a rectangular template (where you route all around) would have to be 90 mm x 40 mm. Peter

[@vegardjakobsen5243]

That’s what I have been trying to wrap my head around! I have been trying to find information about how much to subtract when using 4 sides, but haven’t had any luck finding out. Thank you so much for clearing that up for me!

[@morturn]

Hi Peter, great video. Where did you get the circle template from?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, Axminster but they do not stock that one any more. Peter

[@sylmongeon3090]

David if you have access to US sites you can get this type of template from a few sources such as Eagle America, Infinity tools or Rockler to name but a few. Problem is that you would have to pay steep shipping charges to the UK but it is doable. Here in Canada that basically doubles the cost of whatever item you are trying to get. The hit is sometimes worth the extra expense though. As mentioned by Peter it is always possible that Axminster will carry it in the future if there is enough demand. FYI.

[@morturn]

@@sylmongeon3090 Thank you!

[@dave1812]

Does Axminster still sell the Circle Routing Template? I can't seem to find it on their Website

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Not at the moment but it may reappear. Peter

[@jean-christophedauchy8167]

Was looking for it too. Thanks.

[@Jhursh]

Hi Peter, where did you get the 704R?

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Jim, I bought all of my Leigh kit from Axminster but quite a while ago. Peter

[@ccccen]

I see you gave me an F- in my metric report card :( lol

[@davidsteele3037]

I bet I get detention and 'six of the best'

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi David, Sounds like a naughty boy at school ! Cheers. Peter

[@murphyrp01]

Any other ideas for sourcing the clear circle template in metric. Peter mentions it was from axminster but it isn’t on their website

[@NewBritWorkshop]

Hi Randall, I have looked many times and have not seen this exact one for sale anywhere. There are other ways of cutting circles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX2yiZVna9Wci7s Peter

[@murphyrp01]

@@NewBritWorkshop Thanks Peter. I will keep my eye out for a template, and let you know.